How long does it take to become constipated

Constipation is a condition affecting the stool, making it difficult一 or impossible一 to pass without supplementation. One important thing to note with constipation is that it’s very important not to strain while you “go”; making constipation an issue that should be remedied as soon as possible.

Table of Contents Show

How To Relieve Constipation Naturally
How to Relieve Constipation - OTC Medications
What to Do When at-Home Remedies Don’t Cut it
Symptoms of constipation
What causes constipation?
Medical conditions
Medicines and dietary supplements
Nutrition, activity, and routine
Treatment for constipation
When should you see a doctor?
For more information about constipation
How long before it's considered constipation?
Can constipation come on suddenly?

But what causes constipation in the first place? There are five common causes of constipation: pregnancy, medications, lack of exercise or change in routine, a low-fiber diet, and more serious causes like blockages, rectal cancer, or colon cancer. Knowing the root cause of your constipation will help you avoid it in the future, and when to seek professional help.

Can constipation last for days? The answer to this question tends to vary by individual and your diet plays a major role in your symptoms. For example, it's not uncommon for a patient who consumes lots of dairy products but little fiber to experience constipation symptoms that last several days.

Generally speaking, if you haven’t had a bowel movement in longer than three days, it’s time to start forcing things to get moving.

How To Relieve Constipation Naturally

Constipation is usually a result of too little fiber in the diet, combined with excess consumption of “binding” foods (dairy, red meat, white bread, white rice, etc.). A quick way to turn constipation around is to eat some fiber-rich snacks like raw vegetables, raw fruit, beans, nuts, and seeds. Combining these snacks with fresh fruit juice is sure to get your digestive system moving!

Another important thing to note is that, for some individuals, caffeine can exacerbate constipation symptoms一 others will suggest that caffeine keeps them regular. Since caffeine can be both a diuretic and a bowel stimulant, you need to be careful how you use this chemical when you are constipated. If you think you might be dehydrated, try drinking some water before you have that glass of tea or coffee.

How to Relieve Constipation - OTC Medications

One of the easiest ways to end your bout of constipation is to take a stool softener. Start with small doses and work your way up to a higher dosage if you must. The goal is just to get the bowels moving, not to give yourself diarrhea. Keep in mind that stool softeners also may artificially moisten your stool in order to get it to pass. Drink plenty of water to ensure that you don’t get dehydrated while taking stool softeners.

What to Do When at-Home Remedies Don’t Cut it

If you still haven’t passed a stool after four or more days, and have tried these 5 constipation remedies, it’s probably time to call your doctor. Usually, the above methods will help you, but occasionally there might actually be something physically blocking your intestines. If you notice any of the following symptoms before four days, call your doctor or go to an emergency room immediately:

Severe abdominal pain
Excess bloating
You are unable to pass gas
Lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting

If you tend to have recurring issues with constipation, you should schedule an appointment with a colorectal specialist. While your constipation might be diet-related, it could also be something more serious. A colorectal specialist can help you rule out colorectal diseases and conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Constipation can be uncomfortable and worrisome. If you’re having fewer bowel movements than usual, taking a long time to pass stools, or the stools are hard, you may be constipated.

Nearly everyone becomes constipated at one time or another, and older people are more likely than younger ones to experience this condition. In fact, about one-third of older adults have occasional symptoms of constipation. The good news is that most of the time constipation is not serious and is treatable.

Symptoms of constipation

Some people worry they are constipated if they don’t have a bowel movement every day, but there is no “right” number of daily or weekly bowel movements. Being regular can be different for each person. For some, it can mean twice a day, and for others, three times a week is normal. However, if you often have infrequent bowel movements, you may be constipated.

Symptoms of constipation include:

Fewer than three bowel movements a week
Difficult time passing stools
Lumpy or hard stools
A feeling of being blocked or of not having fully emptied your bowels.

What causes constipation?

Many medical conditions common for older adults, as well as medications, can cause constipation.

Medical conditions

Disorders that affect the muscles or nerves used for normal bowel movements — for example, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or a spinal cord injury — can cause constipation.
Conditions that affect hormones or metabolism, such as diabetes, can also lead to constipation.
Other medical conditions that can lead to constipation include tumors or other blockages, pelvic floor disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Changes in diet and exercise due to medical procedures can also lead to constipation.

In addition, people living with diseases that affect their diet and daily habits, such as Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, may be more likely to experience constipation.

Medicines and dietary supplements

Some medicines — both prescription and over the counter — can lead to constipation.

These include some drugs used to treat depression, antacids containing aluminum or calcium, some allergy medicines (antihistamines), certain painkillers, some medicines for high blood pressure, diuretics, anticholinergics, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, and drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Certain dietary supplements, such as iron, can also lead to constipation.
Anesthesia, which is used during medical procedures to keep a person from feeling pain, can also lead to constipation.

Nutrition, activity, and routine

What you eat, drink, and do can also contribute to constipation. For example:

Not enough fiber. You may become constipated if you don’t eat enough high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, sweets, or processed foods may cause constipation.
Not enough fluids. Water and other fluids help fiber work better, so not drinking enough liquids can contribute to harder stools that are more difficult to pass.
Lack of physical activity. Not getting enough exercise or long periods of inactivity due to illness or following surgery may cause constipation.
Changes in routine. Altering your daily routine — traveling, for example — can cause constipation.

Treatment for constipation

Many cases of constipation can be treated at home. Try these changes to help make your stools softer and easier to pass and to prevent constipation in the future.

Eat a healthy diet. Your diet should contain ample natural fiber from sources like fresh fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, along with whole-grain cereals and breads. Learn more about how much fiber you need each day, why fiber is important, and examples of high-fiber foods on the Nutrition.gov Fiber page.
Be sure to get enough fluids. With too little fluid, constipation can get worse. Drinking enough water, juice, and other fluids can help you have regular bowel movements. Learn more about what to eat and drink if you’re constipated.
Stay active. Do things that keep you moving and active. For example, go for walks. Participate in physical activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your everyday life.

There are also several over-the-counter laxatives, including fiber supplements and stool softeners, that may help with constipation. Your doctor or other health care provider can help you decide which laxatives may be best for you.

If these changes don’t work or you are experiencing pain, bleeding, or other serious symptoms, talk with your doctor about other treatments. Your doctor may suggest changes to your diet or activity; prescribe a supplement or medication for constipation; or recommend biofeedback training, which helps people learn to control their muscles through the use of electronic devices and a coach. In some rare cases, surgery may be recommended, for example, to treat a blockage or remove part of the colon if those muscles don’t work. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of surgery and other treatments.

When should you see a doctor?
Sometimes constipation can be a symptom of more severe illness, including colorectal and other types of cancer. See your doctor or other health care provider if your bowel habits change and are accompanied by any one of the following:
- There is blood in your stool or you are bleeding from your rectum
- You are having serious stomach pains or are unable to pass gas
- You are vomiting or have a fever
- You lose weight without trying
- You are experiencing lower back pain
- Fiber and exercise haven’t helped

Visit the NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) educational page on constipation for more information on possible causes and treatments.

For more information about constipation

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

Content reviewed: October 22, 2022

How long before it's considered constipation?

Constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. Though occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to go about their daily tasks.

Can constipation come on suddenly?

Constipation may be acute or chronic. Acute constipation begins suddenly and noticeably. Chronic constipation may begin gradually and persists for months or years.